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In 1936, jazz purists were about to be shaken by an experiment that would go down in history: the jazz waltz.
A 3/4 compositional style was born, shaking up the world of traditional jazz which, let's not forget, was still in its infancy: this was still just 20 years after the first recordings became available. Its name? "Waltzing the Blues". At the heart of this fusion was Benny Carter, playing tenor saxophone and trumpet on the recording.
The initiative for this track actually came from Leonard Feather, the producer of Benny Carter's records, who had been capturing the essence of European ballrooms since the late 1920s. Intrigued by the absence of jazz in 3/4 time, he sent a letter in 1933 to the editor of Melody Maker, a prestigious British publication, expressing his astonishment at this absence, and declaring his intention to create 3/4 jazz himself. The editor promptly replied that his ideas was "like asking for a red piece of green chalk."
Far from being discouraged, Feather suggested that Carter bring "Waltzing the Blues" to life in 1936. Initial public reaction was mixed, with the usual debate between traditionalists and progressives. Spike Hughes, the renowned British composer, described the new blend as a musical "mule", while others praised its originality.
Whatever the public may have thought at the time of its release, "Waltzing the Blues" broke new ground, bringing together the gentle cadence of the waltz and the more rhythmic swing of jazz. swing plus rythmé du jazz.
Have a listen and decide for yourself:
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